荣誉

• Pinyin: róng yù
• Hanzi breakdown: 荣 = 艹 + 木 + 火 (plants in radiance = flourishing glory); 誉 = 与 + 言 (give + speech = to praise/confer honour)

Meaning

Honour; glory; prestige. A formal recognition of achievement, merit, or distinction, especially in official or public contexts.

Can refer to both abstract honour (personal integrity and reputation) and tangible honours (awards, titles, distinctions). Common collocations: 维护荣誉 (uphold honour), 荣誉称号 (honorary title), 捍卫荣誉 (defend one's honour). Especially prominent in military, sports, academic, and national discourse.

Examples

1. 运动员以为国争光为最高荣誉，全力以赴备战奥运会。 For athletes, bringing glory to the country is the highest honor, and they give it their all in preparing for the Olympics.
2. 这枚勋章代表着他为国家作出的巨大贡献与所获得的崇高荣誉。 This medal represents his enormous contribution to the country and the high honor he has received.
3. 维护集体荣誉是每位成员应尽的基本责任，也是团队凝聚力的体现。 Safeguarding the collective’s honor is a basic responsibility for every member and a reflection of the team’s cohesion.

Usage Guide

Context: military, sports, academics, public service

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 这位科学家毕生为国家赢得了无数荣誉，是全体国民心中当之无愧的骄傲。(This scientist has won countless honours for the country throughout his life and is a deserving pride of the entire nation.)
• 学校荣誉室内陈列着历届优秀校友所获得的奖章、证书与荣誉称号。(The school's Hall of Honour displays the medals, certificates, and honorary titles earned by outstanding alumni through the years.)

Don't Say

• 他获得了很多荣誉奖品 — 荣誉 refers to the honour itself; say 他获得了很多奖项 or 他赢得了无数奖品 for physical awards

Origin & History

荣 (glory/flourishing) + 誉 (reputation/praise)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal